5 things in your life that are making YOU unnecessarily tired

Are you finding yourself yawning only an hour after into stepping the office? If you’re needing that 3rd cup of coffee before it’s even noon just to keep your eyes open, despite getting those 8 precious hours of sleep, then it may be down to some habits in your everyday life.

Things that you just get along with in your day-to-day life might be affecting your sleeping pattern and energy levels without you even realising. Time to check-in with your diet, fitness and work habits (but that doesn’t mean you can skip your sleep now either!)

1. Have you worked up a sweat?

There have been countless research studies that show that exercising regularly can help us sleep more quickly and for longer. If you’re making excuses to skip your workout because you feel tired then think twice – using up some energy during the day might actually mean you get a better night’s sleep at the end of the day.

2. Skipping breakfast

It is called the most important meal of the day, so it’s hardly surprising that skipping breakfast can mean a lack of energy to sustain and energise you throughout the day, and that’s not a great beginning. Your body burns energy while you sleep, so it’s important that you boost that energy back up when you wake up.

3. Scrolling on your phone before bed

The bright light or your phone or laptop screen can keep your mind awake long after you’re switched off your device, meaning it takes longer for your mind to switch off. Even if you don’t have any problems falling asleep, the glare of the bright backlit screen can mean that you’re not falling into a deep sleep. So keep your phone on the bedside table and turn to a good ol’ book instead.

4. Staring at a screen

It’s not just bedtime that bright screens can play havoc with your mind. If your job involves staring at a computer screen for most of the day, it can not only make you feel sluggish and lethargic, but also not very motivated to do what you’re supposed to do in the office. The average person has an attention span of only 90 minutes, so make sure you counteract any drops in your level of energy by taking a break away from the screen, and even better yet, outside from the office.

5. Cabin fever

It’s called the great outdoors for a reason – and one of those being that just a 5 or 10 minutes of sunlight can be a great quick fix for lack of energy. Our body’s ability to emit melatonin affects our energy levels, which can make us feel more tired. So not only can being cooped up inside make you feel isolated, but also lethargic, especially in the winter months. Next time you need to go to the shops, take a walk instead of driving.